Hydraulic Brake Questions Back to Top» Are hydraulic brakes better than cable?

No, not as a generalized statement. Nor are they worse. Each system has its own merits. A hydraulic system is better sealed, and requires no cable changes. A cable brake will require some periodic cable maintenance. Cable brakes generally weigh more than hydraulics, but you generally get the trade-off with more adjustability. Hydraulic braking performance, regarding the transmission medium (oil in this case), will not deteriorate over the life of the brake. Cables will be at their best on Day 1 and, depending on many factors, get worse over their lifespan. This is all very subtle and hardly an issue. ... more